All Heart Yoga — Local services in Portland

I heart All Heart Yoga! the space is a true sancutuary that brings about a much needed sense of peace (relief even!) each time I step through the door. The space itself is simple in the best possible way: elegantly decorated, comfortable and spacious, with lovely natural light and very high ceilings. All the touches are right --from plants to playlists to props-- thoughtfully presented to amplify restoration and uplift. The owner, Laela, is always welcoming, warm, easy-going and extremely kind-- she greets me like an old friend. She also chooses wonderful, experienced instructors for classes and workshops alike. All Heart hosts enlightening and restorative events, like the Full Flower Sound Ceremony and the Four Aims of Life, providing vital boosts that further the regular offerings I usually engage in like, Yin Yoga. All around, I love this yoga studio and make it a part of my routine, even though it's not all that close to my house....

This yoga studio holds such a special place in my heart. I discovered it when I lived across the street and now that I’ve moved away, I often go back in my mind and would travel any distance necessary to return to classes there. If you have the luck of living close enough to discover it for yourself, I highly suggest you do. Laela (the owner) is an incredibly kind soul and talented yoga instructor who does everything with great intention and you can feel it in every inch of the place. I especially miss her Sweet & Deep and nighttime Yin classes and the poetry she would read during sivasana. Not to mention the tea and hugs and conversations after class. The studio is not just a space to practice yoga (and a really inclusive, beautiful one at that), but a community and a safe haven. Thanks for everything you gave to me over the couple of years I had the luck to form a part of...

I took my first Yin yoga class in Milwaukee and had been searching for that same restorative experience ever since. I finally found it with Laela. However, I booked a Yin yoga class on Thursday, February 27th, expecting Laela to teach. To my surprise, when I arrived, Amy was there and informed me that Laela was out of town, and she would be leading the class instead.

Had I known this in advance, I never would have booked the class. Unfortunately, Amy’s instruction was disappointing, she relied on a notebook to guide the class, and the poses were held for no more than a minute, far from the recommended 2-5 minutes or longer for Yin yoga.

This felt like a bait-and-switch, which makes me question whether I can trust that the instructor I book will actually be teaching. Sadly, I will not be returning. I could have had a better experience following a...